Alicia Wallace
Rossland News
Last weekend Rossland held their 118 year celebration of the winter carnival. Staged over four days beginning on Thursday, Jan. 29, event participants saw a mix of sunshine and snowfall throughout the carnival.
Lisa Wegner, of the carnival’s promotion committee, was thrilled by the turnout, which may have been aided by the weather.
“This year’s Winter Carnival could not have been more perfect — the sunny days, pleasant temperatures and talent made for a great turnout,” Wegner said.
There was something for everyone to enjoy; from competing in the competitions, to the concerts and the ice palace, plus the many family fun activities that took place for the carnival. The crowd cheered at the many spectator events.
“It was fabulous seeing so many people in town and at Red Resort be part of it,” said Wegner.
“Our city crews, coordinators and volunteers made the Game Rail Jam, the Olaus Ice Palace and Bobsled, along with all the other events and venues another huge success. The crowds were enjoying every possible element of this long time festival,” Wegner added.
Over 45 single events were held. It is understandable if carnival participants felt rushed off their feet to get to everything on the program. Some may have preferred to attend select events rather than just seeing odds and ends of each activity. The Rossland News has compiled results from some of the competition races that were held over the weekend.
Olaus Invitational BC Cup Luge Race
This year the Sunday luge cup had 35 racers, compared to the 22 of last year. The winner of the cup was Todd Larsen. Larsen completed his two combined runs in 63.29 seconds. Dan Loukras had the fastest single lap time completing a run in 30.68 seconds.
Rossland Radicals club president, Jesse Newton said they received a great turnout and a good time was had by all. “This is more racers than any other year I have been involved. All the people that turned out were keen to help; it’s all volunteer-based,” said Newton.
67 people tested out the bobsled course. The youngest racer was 12-year-old Griffin Hogarth. The oldest racer 59-years-old, proving you are never too old.
Fat Bike Race
The race course was prepared over the days leading up to the race by Tyler from Revolution Cycles and a throng of volunteers. Ian Craib, the event organizer said that Red Mountain Resort was the ideal place for the race with 37 competitors. Discussions are now underway to come back again next year.
“Red Mountain was a magnificent host, especially Sam Murphy who addressed every need without being asked,” said Craib.
The open women’s winners were Steph Verot in first place, Isabelle Desmarais in second and Tara Carr in third. The men’s open winners were Frith Murray in first place, Dave Sutton in second and Travis Hauck in third.
The full list can be found on the Rossland News Facebook page.
Sonny Samuelson Memorial Bobsled Race
The bobsled course was in perfect condition for the first run of 29 bobsleds, thanks to the city crew who always do a professional job in setting up the Spokane Street course.
First place went to defending champions the Albohaulics with a combined two runs at 75.93 seconds. Second place was awarded to Liquid Courage with a combined two runs at 76.97 seconds, and in third place at 77.22 seconds was the S.S. Instigator. Woody’s Tire and Auto received fourth place with a combined run time of 77.91 seconds.
Woody’s Tire and Auto and the S.S. Instigator tied for the fastest logged speed at 79 kilometres per hour.
Rossland’s Mayor, Kathy Moore raced as part of the Eager Beaver bobsled team, which placed seventh.
Anna Caron won $270 for betting on the Albohaulics bobsled to win first place.